Conversation Starter: Examining the Gender Pay Gap

Thursday, March 12, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Junior Achievement of Central Maryland
1725 Twin Springs Rd., Baltimore, MD 21227

Join Women United for a Conversation Starter focused on the persistent issue of gender-based wage disparities, an issue that affects all women, and disproportionately impacts the women and families served by United Way of Central Maryland across our region. 

Nationally, women earn an average of 85 cents for every dollar earned by men, with even wider gaps when examined by race and ethnicity. Research also shows that the “motherhood penalty” is a major driver of wage inequality: on average, mothers earn just 63 cents for every dollar paid to fathers, accounting for a significant share of the overall gender pay gap. 

How does the pay gap affect women’s economic stability, workforce participation, and long-term financial security across the region?  What are the consequences for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families? Let’s talk about it.  

The first 20 registrants will receive a copy of
Pay Up: The Future of Women and Work (and Why It's Different Than You Think)
by Founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, Reshma Saujani

We’ll enjoy small bites, refreshments, and conversation with Women United members. Our guest speakers include:

Kendra Parlock - Moderator
Vice President, Partnership Development 
NPower

Ariana Kelly 
Executive Director  
Maryland Commission for Women 

Melissa A. Groves 
Chairperson and Associate Professor of Economics 
Towson University

Shari Bailey 
Founder & CEO 
Laila’s Gift 

We look forward to seeing you!  

Questions? Contact Sheryl May, Assistant Director, Membership Networks Engagement